Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS846

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this coincided with “violent artillery shelling“, killing one civilian in the Hraytan neighbourhood. Anadanmedia, Abdullahzaidan, Jisr TV, Shahba Press, Qasioun and Radio Akul all blamed Russia.

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1039

LOCATION

الهلّك, Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russia shelled Hayak with cluster bombs, however, only once source (LCCSY) alleged that there had been a civilian casualty. It said that one civilian had died. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1071

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, HNN, one civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Atarib. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3958

LOCATION

لحايا, Lahaya, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Lahaya, Hama, on July 25th. @HalabTodayTV said that “a civilian was killed by Russian airstrikes on the village of Lahaya in the northern Hama countryside However, @shabablatamni accused the Syrian regime of responsibility for this incident and tweeted “Regime helicopters bombard with

Summary

First published
July 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS4001

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamana'a, Idlib, Syria

One civilian male was reported killed and 17 others, including 11 children, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Tamana’a, Idlib governorate, on August 10th, according to local sources. Baladi News stated that “the raids caused the martyrdom of one civilian as a preliminary outcome, and wounded 17 others, including 11

Summary

First published
August 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
17
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS4036

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al Ghadfa, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed and at least three other civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al Ghadfa, Idlib, on August 16th, 2019. Both Shaam News and Step Agency reported that “Russian and Syrian warplanes launched several airstrikes” on a number of cities and towns including Al Ghadfa, on August 16th. Shaam News and other

Summary

First published
August 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1248

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Bab al Nairab neighbourhood, according to a single source. Halab Today reported a Russian strike killed one civilian. However, both Syriansnews and Buraq media said that there had been no civilian casualties, and did not identify the culprit of the strike.

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1555

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 14 civilians died and  others were injured in airstrikes on the town of Hraytan in Aleppo. While the majority of local sources attributed the airstrikes to Syrian regime forces, the Local Coordination Committees in Syria identified both Russian and the Syrian regime warplanes as launching airstrikes in Aleppo. According to LCCSY, 14

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2194

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, “a woman was killed and several of her children injured following Russian raid targeting Kafr Zita in northern countryside of Hama.” The Violations Documentation Centre also named one woman as killed by Russian forces. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2376

LOCATION

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman was killed from injuries sustained in the morning of July 31st, following an airstrike on Dablan. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. None explicitly blamed Russian warplanes, however there was Russian bombing in and around the vicinity at the time of the strike. Other sources blamed “military aircraft” or “unknown”

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2384

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed, and others were reportedly wounded, following an airstrike on Hatla. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. some blaming the Syrian regime, while others attributed blame to Moscow. Baladi even blamed “unknown warplanes” for the raids. Jisirtv described the bombardment as a missile attack, while others

Summary

First published
August 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2523

LOCATION

محمبل, Muhambal, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian, a girl, was killed and at least five others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Muhambal in Idlib governorate, according to local sources. The “intensive air-raids” consisted of rockets. Some sources did not mention civilian casualties but did confirm bombing in the vicinity. One of the comments

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS054

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr Al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

One possible non-combatant was reported killed at Dayr al Asafeer, according to a single source. Shaam News Network reported that a joint air-ground assault by Russian and Assad forces “led to the fall of one martyr” in the town, though no further details were given of their status.  

Summary

First published
October 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2964

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured as aerial and/or artillery shelling hit the town of Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, local media reported – though it was unclear how to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Smart News Agency and Step News Agency reported that strikes believed to have been carried out

Summary

First published
February 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS118

LOCATION

بنسن, Banin, Idlib, Syria

One man was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Banin village, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. No further details are known at the present time.  

Summary

First published
November 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2017

Incident Code

R3211

LOCATION

بداما , Bdama, Idlib, Syria

One child was killed when a cluster bomb dropped in a previous airstrike exploded in Bdama, local media reported. EdlibEMC said that the bomb was dropped by Russia, though the other sources didn’t identify the culprit. It was not clear when the munitions was dropped.

Summary

First published
August 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3724

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’arat Harma, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma’arat Al Harma, Hama governorate, on May 27th, 2019, according to local sources. Another civilian was reportedly injured. Smart News wrote that “on May 27th, warplanes bombed the town of Ma’arat Harma, near Idlib, with explosive barrels and naval mines, causing destruction of

Summary

First published
May 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS440

LOCATION

مشفى السلام, Al Salam hospital, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died following an alleged airstrike on Al Salam hospital in Raqqa, according to two local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of Izzo Hamid Al Hammash. The victims was also named as killed in a Russian strike by Raqqa Post.  

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS568

LOCATION

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

A media activist named as Zakariya Orfalli was reported killed by a single source. According to the Syrian Network, “Monday 8th February 2016 media activist Zakariya Orfalli was killed by a missile shrapnel that went into different parts of his body as he was covering the bombing by fixed wing warplanes we believe are Russian

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS664

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One child was killed and up to 15 other civilians injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a school in Talbiseh according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame. Activists told Shaam News Network that “Russian warplanes targeted the morning the city of Talbissa

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS696

LOCATION

رسم عبود, Rasm Aabed, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Rasm Aabed, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS857

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on Sarmin, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported that one civilian died and several more were injured by Russian warplanes. Baladi was among other sources that pointed towards Russia, but provided

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS921

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian woman was reported dead after Russian warplanes allegedly attacked the Kafr Naha neighbourhood. A reporter writing for Smart news said that “the woman was killed and her child injured along with seven other civilians” when “Russian warplanes targeted a town in the western countryside Kafr Naha”, using “stereochemistry missiles and cluster bombs”. RadioAlKul tweeted that

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3988

LOCATION

مورك, Mourek , Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and up to three civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Mourek, Hama, on August 1st, 2019, according to local sources. @IdlibPlus tweeted that “a civilian was killed as a result of the targeting of Russian warplanes by the city of Mourek in the northern suburbs

Summary

First published
August 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1292

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A young girl named Qamar was killed by alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes in the al Ferdos neighborhood of Aleppo, according to local media. Sources also reported further civilians trapped under the rubble. Qasioun and Halab news blamed Russia, but most others were silent on the identity of those responsible. @Shahed_alep tweeted, “warplanes aimed

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2019

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

On March 24, 2017, one civilian was reportedly killed and up to nine were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, local media reported. Ahmed Khatib, a correspondent for the Mirror of Syria in Idlib, said that “warplanes carried out several air raids on the

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2289a

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of Hamidiya, local media reported. There were no wounded civilians reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2661

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An elderly man was reportedly killed following an airstrike on Abu Kamal at noon on October 28th. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most blamed Russian warplanes, however some did not attribute blame, while Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the Syrian regime was responsible. The strike reportedly “targeted the perimeter

Summary

First published
October 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2805

LOCATION

التح, Al Tah, Idlib, Syria

One girl was killed and two other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Al Tah, according to local media. Images published by a local source, @alathre1989, shows the severe damage to the residential property. Despite most sources reporting that the casualty was a female child, @hish_m_c alleged that she

Summary

First published
December 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2836

LOCATION

الهيمانية, Al-Haymaniya, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed by airstrikes which raided the village of Al-Haymaniya in Hama. Sources either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame. A number of civilians were reportedly injured however local media did not specify how many. According to Baladi, “Russian warplanes launched air raids with high-explosive missiles on the village of Haymaneya

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident